The Family Trip Kashmir Was Made For
Starting from
₹11,100
Duration6 Days / 5 Nights
PaceBalanced
Destinations5 Places
Travel StylePremium
About this experience
A 6-day family holiday built around Kashmir’s greatest hits - Dal Lake shikara rides, the Gulmarg Gondola, Pahalgam’s pine valleys, and Sonmarg’s glaciers. Designed for parents, kids, and grandparents with comfortable pacing and no long driving days.
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar & Dal Lake Shikara Route: Srinagar Airport → Dal Lake Houseboat
Arrive at Srinagar Airport and transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake. The shikara ride this evening is the gentlest possible introduction to Kashmir - a low, stable wooden boat paddled through lotus gardens and past floating vegetable markets . Kids love it unconditionally; the boat barely rocks, there’s no engine noise, and the scenery is mesmerizing. The floating market is best before 9 AM, but an evening ride offers calm water and soft light on the Pir Panjal range. Dinner on the houseboat.
Places & Experiences:
Dal Lake shikara ride (1 hour)
Houseboat stay and dinner
Travel Flow: Airport pickup → houseboat check-in → evening shikara ride → dinner and rest
Overnight: Srinagar (houseboat)
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 — Srinagar: Mughal Gardens & Old City Route: Srinagar (local sightseeing)
A relaxed day in Srinagar, starting with the Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These are genuinely excellent for children: flat, green, with terraced water channels kids inevitably want to splash in. Chashme Shahi has a natural spring with ice-cold drinkable water. After lunch, drive up to Shankaracharya Temple for the best panorama of Dal Lake and the valley - the walk from the parking area involves about 250 stone steps, which kids aged 5+ handle fine, though younger children can enjoy the drive-up viewpoint . Evening free for a stroll along the Boulevard or shopping at local markets for Pashmina shawls and papier-mâché crafts.
Places & Experiences:
Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi (Mughal Gardens)
Shankaracharya Temple (optional climb)
Boulevard Road evening walk (optional)
Travel Flow: Morning Mughal Gardens → lunch → afternoon Shankaracharya Temple → evening at leisure
Overnight: Srinagar (houseboat)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 — Sonmarg & Thajiwas Glacier Route: Srinagar → Sonmarg (approx. 80 km, 2–3 hours one way)
A full-day excursion to Sonmarg, the “Meadow of Gold,” through the Sindh Valley. The drive itself is part of the experience - wildflowers against snow-capped peaks. At Sonmarg, the easy 2 km walk to Thajiwas Glacier is suitable for most families, though pony rides are available for those who prefer not to walk . The glacier walk is snow-free underfoot in summer, making it manageable for kids and grandparents. Return to Srinagar by evening.
Places & Experiences:
Sonmarg meadow
Thajiwas Glacier (walk or pony ride)
Sindh Valley drive
Travel Flow: Morning drive to Sonmarg → glacier walk → lunch at Sonmarg → return to Srinagar (evening)
Overnight: Srinagar (houseboat)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 — Pahalgam: Betaab Valley & Lidder River Route: Srinagar → Pahalgam (approx. 95 km, 3 hours)
Drive to Pahalgam, the “Valley of Shepherds,” with a stop en route at the Pampore saffron fields - a lovely, low-cost lesson for children in where the world’s priciest spice comes from . Arrive in Pahalgam and check into a riverside hotel. Afternoon visit to Betaab Valley and Aru Valley - gentle walks, open fields, and family photography spots. The Lidder River runs through Pahalgam; evening walks along its banks are a highlight. Note: outside vehicles cannot do local sightseeing beyond the Pahalgam taxi stand; local union taxis must be hired for Aru, Betaab, and Chandanwari .
Places & Experiences:
Pampore saffron fields (en route)
Betaab Valley
Aru Valley
Lidder River evening walk
Travel Flow: Morning drive from Srinagar → Pampore stop → Pahalgam check-in → afternoon Betaab and Aru valleys → evening by Lidder River
Overnight: Pahalgam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 — Pahalgam to Gulmarg: Gondola Ride Route: Pahalgam → Gulmarg (approx. 140 km, 4–5 hours)
Drive to Gulmarg, the “Meadow of Flowers,” with a stop in Srinagar for lunch if needed. Gulmarg is 51 km from Srinagar at 2,650 meters - a vast meadow surrounded by pine forests with the Himalayan range as a backdrop. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world, and kids are absolutely transfixed by it . Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori) is gentle and safe for all ages; Phase 2 (Apharwat at 3,980m) is not recommended for children under ten or anyone with respiratory conditions . Evening walk in the meadow and overnight stay.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori)
Gulmarg meadow walk
Optional: pony rides, snow play (seasonal)
Travel Flow: Morning drive from Pahalgam → arrive Gulmarg → afternoon Gondola Phase 1 → evening meadow walk
Overnight: Gulmarg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 — Gulmarg to Srinagar Airport Route: Gulmarg → Srinagar Airport (approx. 50 km, 2 hours)
After a relaxed breakfast in Gulmarg, drive to Srinagar Airport for your departure flight. Depending on flight time, a brief stop at a local market for last-minute saffron, dry fruits, or crafts. The tour ends with the family’s Kashmir memories - shikara rides, gondola views, and the Lidder’s sound still fresh.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg morning
Optional market stop (time permitting)
Travel Flow: Breakfast → check-out → drive to Srinagar Airport → departure
Overnight: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Accommodation for 5 nights: houseboat in Srinagar (3 nights), hotel in Pahalgam (1 night), hotel in Gulmarg (1 night)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle (up to 4 passengers)
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- 1-hour shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 tickets
- Pampore saffron fields stop
- Driver allowance, toll taxes, parking fees
Not included
- Airfare to/from Srinagar
- Lunches on all days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 tickets
- Pony rides and local union taxi charges in Pahalgam (Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari)
- Sonmarg local taxi charges and pony rides
- Entry fees to monuments or gardens
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone, shopping)
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Srinagar to Srinagar
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing:
Layers for warm days and cool evenings (even summer nights are 10–15°C)
Warm hats and gloves for Gulmarg and Sonmarg, even in summer
Comfortable walking shoes for gardens and moderate walks
Light rain jacket (Kashmir weather changes quickly)
Travel Essentials:
Motion sickness tablets for winding mountain roads
Familiar snacks for picky eaters
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Reusable water bottles
Basic first-aid kit with children’s medication
Power bank
Documents:
Government photo ID for all family members (required at checkpoints)
Hotel/package confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contact list
Family-Specific:
Baby carrier if traveling with toddlers (strollers difficult on meadows)
Extra bedding requests (confirm with hotel in advance)
Kids’ entertainment for driving days (books, tablets)
Best Time to Travel:
Best Time to Travel:
September and October score highest for families - post-monsoon clarity, 15-25°C, fewer crowds than June-July, and Kashmir as the Mughals saw it . April-May brings tulips and pleasant weather. December–February is snow season for Gulmarg but cold for young children. June-July is peak season with warm weather but crowded houseboats and higher prices .
Suitable For:
Families with children of any age, grandparents traveling with the family, and first-time visitors to Kashmir who want the classic circuit without rushed pacing. The itinerary includes moderate walking (Mughal Gardens, glacier walk) but no strenuous treks.
Travel Pace:
Relaxed. This is a family itinerary with one activity per half-day and no consecutive long driving days beyond the Pahalgam–Gulmarg transfer. Days are structured around children’s energy levels - gardens and shikara rides in Srinagar, easy walks in Pahalgam, and the gondola in Gulmarg.
Accommodation:
Deluxe or Heritage category houseboat on Dal Lake (government-graded - do not go below Deluxe for families) . Nagin Lake side of Dal Lake is quieter and calmer for families with young children. Hotels in Pahalgam and Gulmarg selected for family amenities - extra bedding, heating in winter, and proximity to dining .
Transport:
Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout. Recommended capacity up to 4 passengers with luggage. For larger families, a larger vehicle can be arranged. Note: union cab rules in Pahalgam require local taxis for Aru, Betaab, and Chandanwari sightseeing .
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included - the group stops at local restaurants or dhabas (own cost). Kashmiri vegetarian food includes Dum Aloo, Rajma, Haak, and Nadru dishes; most restaurants can prepare less-spicy variants for children on request .
Important Notes:
Houseboats: Book Deluxe or Heritage category only. Ask specifically about the gangplank - newer, wider ones are safer for toddlers. One night on the houseboat is enough for most families; the novelty is magical but plumbing limitations can grate beyond that .
Strollers: Work in Mughal Gardens and on Boulevard Road. For meadows and uneven terrain, baby carriers are better .
Medical: Srinagar has SKIMS hospital; tourist zones are well-patrolled and considered safe for families .
Connectivity: Prepaid mobile SIMs from other states do not work in J&K; postpaid connections work. Download offline maps and save booking confirmations .
Photography: Not permitted at Shankaracharya Temple - leave phones in the car .
Seasonal Considerations:
April-May: Tulips in bloom, pleasant weather, moderate crowds.
June-July: Peak season, warm days, crowded houseboats and gondola queues.
August-September: Lighter monsoon than rest of India, green valleys, fewer crowds .
October: Golden chinar trees, crisp air, best photography month.
December-February: Snow in Gulmarg, cold in Srinagar, houseboats with bukhari heaters .
Customization:
This is a group package with fixed departures. Private versions can be arranged.
Adding a day in Srinagar for Dachigam National Park (home to the endangered hangul) .
Extending to Sonmarg overnight for a slower glacier experience.
Upgrading houseboat category or hotel options.
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
2. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
5. No Show Policy
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
12. Payment Default Clause
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
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Common Questions
Everything you need to know about your upcoming journey. If you can't find what you're looking for, our experts are just a click away.
"Kashmir is a region in northern India, primarily in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its mountains, valleys, and lakes."
"Yes. Tourism has recovered strongly through 2026, with visitor numbers back in line with pre-2025 levels and Kashmir positioned as one of India's leading domestic destinations this season. Security at major resorts has been reinforced. As with any destination, travel with a registered operator, keep to established tourist areas and follow local advisories. We're a J&K Tourism-registered agency (Licence JKTA00005202) and monitor conditions daily."
"March to May brings tulips, blossom and mild weather. June to August is peak season — warm, green and busiest. September to November offers autumn colour, clear views and better rates. December to February is for snow, skiing in Gulmarg and winter landscapes. There's no wrong month; the right one depends on whether you're coming for flowers, meadows, autumn or snow. See our detailed guide on the best time to visit Kashmir."
"Five to six days covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg at a comfortable pace. Four days works if you're willing to move quickly. Seven to eight days lets you add offbeat valleys like Doodhpathri or Yusmarg, or spend longer in each location rather than day-tripping from Srinagar."
"Cost depends on season, hotel category, group size and whether you're flying or driving in. Peak season (April to June, December to January) and honeymoon or premium packages sit at the higher end; shoulder-season and group travel considerably lower. Local taxi charges at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are usually separate from package rates -ask any operator to confirm this in writing before booking."
"Indian nationals need no special permit for the Kashmir Valley -a government photo ID is sufficient. Foreign nationals may face restrictions in certain border areas and should carry their passport and visa at all times. Permit requirements apply to parts of Ladakh rather than the Valley itself."
"Srinagar International Airport (SXR) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major cities. By road, Srinagar connects to Jammu via NH-44, typically 8 to 10 hours. Jammu is the nearest major railhead. Most visitors fly into Srinagar and out of Srinagar, or combine Kashmir with Ladakh by driving the Srinagar–Leh highway in summer."
"By air: Srinagar International Airport By train: Nearest major station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station By road: Scenic highways from Jammu to Srinagar"
"Warm clothes (even in summer nights) Heavy woolens for winter trips Comfortable walking shoes"